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Thursday, December 21, 2017

Gone are the days when we used to make Christmas cards and post them to our loved ones…

In order to revive this and keep the tradition going, my
dearest sis’ Anju took the initiative to pull all our cousins together on this
little project. So all of us decided to make simple Christmas cards and send to
each other. And this small initiative brought back nostalgic Christmas memories. Mailing
addresses were exchanged with each other… and our creative skills were put in
use. (Thank you Anju!)

I came across a brilliant DIY Christmas project on Pinterest
where you just use Q-tips and some acrylic colours. And I had a fabulous time doing this
with my 7 year old!!

So all you need are some acrylic colors - preferably Christmas colors, Q-tips
for each color, Colored or white card paper and a paper plate to put colors
on.

Create a card by folding the paper.

If you are making a Christmas tree then dip your Q-tip on green color and make dots into a tree shape.

Then add ornaments by making different colored dots. It is
as simple as that!!!

Use your creativity, make any Christmas scene and have fun
doing it with your little ones!!!

Monday, December 18, 2017

Christmas is calling and you definitely need chocolate
during this season! Any recipe for a chocolate bark is one the easiest non-baking treats to
make and a great homemade gift. Absolutely simple to make and it is a recipe
where you can keep improvising with the ingredients. This is a highly addictive
and easy to make treat and I am sure you will enjoy making it. So let’s move on
to the recipe.

Makes about 30 pieces

Ingredients

10 oz. semi-sweet Chocolate chips

1 cup sliced almonds

1 tbsp. Butter

½ cup or more crushed toffee bits (you get it readymade)

A pinch of salt

Method

1.Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2.Toast almonds in butter with salt.

3.Melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and
cook on high in the microwave in 30 second bursts, stirring after each one,
until melted and smooth.

4.Once the chocolate is melted and silky in texture,
add the almonds, crushed toffee bits and stir well.

5.Pour the chocolate onto the parchment paper and use
a rubber spatula to spread it in a thin layer. It will cover the better part of
the baking sheet. Sprinkle the balance toffee bits and sprinkle stars on it as I
did to add color.

6.Put the baking sheet into the fridge for 10
minutes. Remove from fridge and leave on the counter to cool and harden for
several hours or overnight.

7.Once completely cool, break the chocolate into
pieces that are a couple of bites each.

8.Store in an air-tight container or package up for
gifts.

Tips:

·Add raisins or any dry fruits to give a
different flavor

·You can substitute almonds with walnuts and
pistachios.

·You can use dark chocolate or milk chocolate or
even white chocolate.

Monday, December 11, 2017

It is that time of the year… The
weather is chilly and perfect… cups of coffee and hot chocolate being served
around… the Christmas tree and décor is up… the baking aroma from the kitchen
constantly giving us nostalgic memories… and the carols playing in the
background. Perfect countdown to Christmas...

Every year for Christmas, I try to come up with something
new for my coffee table and this year I am trying out with something old, new
and gold… All you need is a small or mini cake stand, any Christmas ornament to
flaunt on your cake stand and some pine cones to sprinkle around and voila your
center piece is ready to make a statement. I placed a mini Christmas tree on my cake stand instead of ornaments. Use your imagination to place something nice on the cake stand like scented candles or pine cones. It is simple, less time consuming and looks
fabulous! Tell me what do you think of my coffee table center piece?

Thursday, December 7, 2017

One of the nicest things about recycled cards is that it’s a
great way to teach about recycling and sustainability. I had a pile of some
wedding invitation cards that’s of absolutely no use now and I stashed it away
hoping to recycle it all at some point. And since Christmas is around the
corner I decided to recycle these invite cards into Christmas cards. So I cut
them all into half… discarded the inner sheet that had the invite details and
used my recently acquired calligraphy skills in use. Isn’t it a gorgeous (and
green)idea?

Love these self embossed prints on the card... so hard to throw them away!

Cut the card into half... I will definitely use the Invitation printed side for future use so I have kept it away :)

My Calligraphy skill in use!

Lots more to write!!

Do you have a fun project for Christmas? Please share your
ideas with good resolution pictures and mail to tbinspirations@gmail.com . I will
gladly share it with my readers.

Tuesday, December 5, 2017

There so many women I know who
do not seek celebrity or recognition but chose to positively help others and
see how they can make a difference and chase it passionately. As we enter the
season of giving I hope to focus a spotlight on inspiring women who are making
a difference with their humble stories.

Today’s spotlight is on Nikita, a psychologist based in Chennai, who started a studio to
empower women and college students… it is a point of destination where a person can take
a small powerful step towards a positive change.

Let’s hear more from
Nikita herself and her journey

"My name is
Nikita J Vyas. I am a Psychologist, a life coach, a blogger of “Dreamscape
Studio”. Personally, I am an ardent lover of books. I enjoy reading, writing,
an introvert (proud) and a dreamer. I believe in dreams and day-dream all the
time. I find freedom in dreaming and that is what I wish for all my clients,
freedom from self-limiting beliefs towards a more dream like life.

Journey as a psychologist

Psychology
and Counselling witnessed a lot of changes from the time I graduated and
fortunately its importance is being recognized and approached quite widely
today. Psychologists are being recognized even in the corporate world. It was
not very approachable a few years back and options for jobs were quite limited.

My journey as
a Psychologist, began after my Under-Graduation. I completed my Bachelor’s
degree in Sociology and went on to do my masters in Counselling Psychology
followed by an M.Phil. in Psychology from Chennai. During my academic year I had
the opportunity to work as a Clinical and School Psychologist, to attain
first-hand experience.

Professionally
I was a bit uncertain about my calling whether it was clinical or School or
independent etc. Since I didn’t have a B.sc in Psychology not a lot of doors
opened up for me. I had to work as a School Psychologist. Even though I was
counselling clients independently and conducting training workshops on personality
development and career planning for college students, I felt that my talent and
creativity was quite limited. The places I worked concentrated on Business
rather than Service. Enraged with the hypocrisy, unjust and politics I quit my
job and decided to start my own service.

The birth of dreamscape studio

The idea of
Dreamscape Studio, started with a blog and a series called “Dream Tales”, which
featured stories of inspiring women (men sometimes) to encourage and motivate
all those who needed a push. The series created a pathway for me to understand
the use of creativity in my work and I decided to pursue Dreamscape Studio as a
company.

The idea or
the Vision of Dreamscape Studio is to provide Life Coaching to women to help
them understand “Self-Awareness”. Self Esteem, Self-confidence, Self-Identity,
self-love, self-respect, self-image are all the aspects to understand yourself
better, a glitch or lack of awareness in either is responsible for unhappiness
or failure.

I believe
that Self Awareness works as the foundation for a successful life. The process
of Self-awareness is not easy; however, it is quite adventurous and helpful in
the long run.

Why only Women?

I am usually
asked if I am biased toward my own gender and therefore have chosen to stick
towards the upliftment of women. I don’t believe I am biased, as much as
concerned. Being an Indian woman, I understand the pressure that we endure and
even though women of India have come a long way, there are still many still in
need for proper guidance and awareness. Especially if they are managing
multiple roles.

Being in the
healthcare and service industry it is important to focus more toward the people
rather than Business. At Dreamscape Studio, the focus is toward people, keeping
in mind their cultural, financial and social backgrounds. The sessions are
tailor-made. Since each individual is unique so are their behaviours and
thought-patterns.

A Studio is a
place of creation. A workshop to make something beautiful and creative. I
wanted a space where people could come and redesign their lives by working on
themselves, their behaviours and thoughts. Therefore, I decided to name it a
studio rather than centre, my approach is unconventional and according to the
needs of the client.

At Dreamscape
Studio, what I truly wanted to accomplish or what I truly dreamed of, was to
encourage women to become independent and enjoy their lives by improving their
lifestyle. Dreamscape is a place where women can and feel unburdened from the
pressure of society or from the limitations they feel they may have due to past
experiences. This is a place where one can come and expect a change in them, a
small but powerful step towards Self-awareness.

There is a
thin line between counselling and life-coaching. I wanted to blend the two. At
Dreamscape, guidance is given in the form of motivations, counselling to heal
from the past and gradually move on to the present to dream for a better future.

There is a saying I believe in, “Life
never delivers anything we cannot handle”. Trust in life and its cues makes
living so much more beautiful. And while you are at it, believe in your dreams
as well. Dreams do come true, just because it hasn’t come true today doesn’t
mean it never will. Be patient and fearless. Befriend your fear and weaknesses
and shield yourself with your failures. "

Saturday, December 2, 2017

I had to pinch myself to believe we have finally set into the
month of joy and giving… And I am yet to put up our Christmas décor and the tree…
So instead of thinking where the time flew I think it’s better to just dive in to
the festivities!

I am so sure many of you have already put up your gorgeous
Christmas tree and busy with your DIY and into Christmas baking. Do share your décor
ideas or DIY or recipes and email me at tbinspirations@gmail.com . I will gladly share it on Tickled by
Inspirations wall.

Meanwhile stay tuned to some of my Christmas DIY
inspirations. Enjoy this beautiful season! Let this December be kind to
everyone, hopeful and reassure us all a bright new beginning!

Tuesday, November 14, 2017

It is a fact that it is my nature to keep moving things
around in my home. My coffee table was quite minimalist two months back with
this beautiful porcelain box in the center. But around the Diwali eve I decided
to infuse a bit of colour to my coffee table. So I added a bit of red and gold
through my tealight holders , my India circus tray and a money-plant creeper for
a pop of green. And you will always find books as an element of décor for
texture and depth and to add to the whole cozy feel.

Have a look at my coffee table before and after pictures and let me know what you think.

Before Picture: very minimalistic

After Picture: Added a lot of elements to bring colour

Added money plant for a pop of green

tealight holders for warmth

Two of my favorite books and you will always find my teacup around

And this is how my table looks!

If you have any home tweaking projects with some before and
after pictures, please email me at tbinspirations@gmail.com and I will gladly share it on Tickled by Inspirations wall. Have a good day
and a fabulous week ahead!

Tuesday, November 7, 2017

Today’s home tour is all the way from Massachusetts. Vinaya's home is what defines a calm retreat. I have fallen in love with Vinaya’s impeccable two
bedroom apartment. Vinaya is a décor blogger and she is the author of Hip Hip Home. Her blog is full of interiors, décor and DIY inspirations.

Vinaya's apartment is predominantly neutral in color with
white walls and has a clever mix of different shades of blues through beautiful artwork, pillows, throws and eye-catchy
textural patterns used in each room. I love the perfect blend of modern and eclectic
elements and the plants that is used to brighten up her space. My eyes were fixated
on the monochrome picture collage effect on the wall giving a harmonious effect
in her home. The dining area and the
open shelving décor are other areas where you are bound to stop and admire
again and again. Her collection and display of eclectic pieces can be seen on her coffee
table, shelves and walls. Have a look at her
home and let’s hear more from Vinaya herself.

What
is your source of inspiration to do up your home?

For the longest time I didn't really care much about
decorating or design. But a couple of years ago I took a little break from work
and found myself spending more time inside our home. That's when I felt a very
strong need to create a home that I loved being in. So it's safe to say that
the inspiration came from within!

What
is your favorite décor style?

My favorite
décor style is modern but comfortable and cozy.

Do
you have any favorite décor accent or favorite corner in your space?

We love our living room with our big white fluffy
rug. We are almost always hanging out there. But be warned, it does take a good
amount of effort to keep that rug looking fluffy and white-ish!

Tips for our décor
lovers

There is no right way to decorate. The only right way is
what you love and what makes sense to you. I think if you decorate purely based
on what you love, then it will always be trendy to you and that's all that
matters :)

Thank you Vinaya for sharing your beautiful calm space with
me and my readers!! Your home definitely has a calming effect to us all!

Tuesday, October 31, 2017

Learning a new skill always gives me an enormous amount of
satisfaction. I have always loved doing my little DIY projects to keep my
creative side alive but it’s been a while since I have actually sat and up
cycled and revamped anything. Sununu Muscat was kind enough to offer me an introductory
course in Painting your furniture or any surface using Chalk Paint by Annie Sloan. These Chalk Paints are non-toxic and works beautifully on any surface
without priming and sanding – And most importantly easy to use and quick to
dry. In the Introductory Workshop I was shown how to achieve a two-color aged
look, a one color- aged look, a crackle look using heat, a flat smooth finish
and a washed finish. And to create
different effects and textures, I was taught different techniques on how to use the
soft wax that is clear, dark, black, and white. I let my creative imagination
take its course and lead me to learning this new skill. It was absolutely a fun
workshop to remember. It’s important to complete this course before you sign up
for other courses offered at Sununu. Some of the other workshops they offer are
Complete Chair Makeover and upholstery basics, Basic Carpentry workshops, Pottery
painting workshop, Fabric printing and lampshade making, and lots more. If you
wish to join and know more about their workshops in Muscat, please write to workshops@sununumuscat.com

Meanwhile let me give you a small tour of their store that
is so cozy … apologies for the quality of my pictures as they were taken on my
phone J

My work!

Our group who participated

You can follow them on their social media pages – Click here
on Instagram and here for updates on Facebook. For those living in Muscat do
try out their workshops to reignite your creativity!

About Me

I am Rachel, based in Oman. My Blog is all about things that I am passionate about, interiors and celebration of design. I never realized that my obsession for home décor, food and other interests would lead me to writing a blog. I hope my blog is filled with pictures and websites that you can access easily and give you a global feel with my handpicked collections. Please drop a mail to tbinspirations@gmail.com if you wish to get in touch or comment.